Aging & Independence Services

Electronic Obstacle Detector

The 'K' Sonar, model 1-07000-00, is an audible electronic mobility aid and obstacle detector designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. This small electronic device aids users who are blind or visually impaired with orientation and mobility. By listening to sounds produced by the device, users can determine the distance and location of objects and some of the object's features. The device attaches to the golf grip handle of a long cane. Headphones provide audio feedback, w

---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of normal-looking pair of glasses to enhance vision for individuals with certain types of low vision using similar technology developed for mobile phones and gaming. Exhibited at the Summer Science Exhibition in Oxford, England, the Bionic Glasses enhance vision for individuals who are blind or have little to no vision left. The glasses are appropriate for common types of visual impairment such as age-related macular degeneration and diabet

-- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a visual assistance system similar to sonar technology that allows individuals who are blind or have low vision to be aware of their surroundings through the use of sound. Developed by the engineers from the Research Center for Graphic Technologies at Spain's Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), the EYE 21 consists of a pair of sunglasses with two built-in micro-video cameras, a computer, and a pair of headphones. The cameras analyze

iGlasses Ultrasonic Mobility Aid is designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. The iGlasses™ Ultrasonic Mobility Aid is a head-mounted device which uses ultrasonic sensors to detect objects and communicate via gentle vibrations. As obstacles get nearer the frequency of the vibration will increase. The device is intended as a secondary mobility device. The iGlasses are worn like a normal pair of glasses. Press the power button and an audible series of beeps indicates the

Miniguide is a vibrating and audible electronic mobility aid designed for use by individuals who are blind, deaf blind, or have low vision. This ultrasonic device detects obstacles from 1.5 to 26 feet away to augment information from other mobility aids, such as a cane or dog guide. Two sensors covered by mesh at the front of the unit send and receive the echo-location signals. A durable plastic casing covers the rest of the unit. The aid vibrates to indicate the distance to objects; the faster

Miniguide US is a vibrating and audible electronic mobility aid designed for use by individuals who are blind or deaf blind or have low vision. This hand-held electronic travel device uses ultrasound to detect objects, and gives tactual or auditory feedback by vibrating or chirping more rapidly as the user approaches an object. The device can help a blind person avoid obstacles and overhangs, locate landmarks or items such as mailboxes or trash cans, and find open paths through crowds at a range

---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an electronic navigation aid worn on the hand that allows individuals who are blind or have low vision to "see" potential obstacles in their path. Designer Calin Giubega has created a the Munivo as a "hand map." The Munivo attaches to the hand by sliding the outside edge (opposite the thumb) of the palm of the hand into the open end of the device's "U" shape. Sensors are located at the end of the handle portion of the device the fits ove

---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a robotic wheelchair that uses three dimensional (3D) imaging to allow individuals who are blind or have low vision and use a wheelchair to "see" when navigating in the indoor and outdoor environment. Researchers at the Luleå University of Technology (LTU) in Sweden have developed a wheelchair that uses a laser sensor to generate a 3D map of its surroundings, which is then transferred to an on-board haptic robot, allowing the robot to na

---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a “Smart Cane” that can read and interpret electronic navigation tags installed between buildings to aid a person who is blind or with low-vision navigate toward his or her destination with greater ease. Designed by an engineering professor and five students at Central Michigan University, The Smart Cane uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFI) technology similar to what retailers use to protect products from theft. The Smart Cane conta

---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a sonification prototype designed to help users that are blind or have low vision. Designed as a sound guide that gives information on the user’s environment as a complement to the classic cane or guide dog. Consists of a stereo vision processor mounted on an eyeglasses-type frame that measures the difference of images captured by two cameras that are placed slightly apart and calculates the distance to each point in the scene. Then, it transmits the

---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a haptic device to assist individuals who are blind or low vision to determine the proximity of objects in complex environments. Created by Steve Hoefer, Tacit is a wrist-mounted device that uses ultrasonic sensors positioned at the front of the device to measure distances from one inch to 10 feet and provide tactile feedback through motorized rubber pads at the rear of the device, which apply increasing amounts of pressure on the wrists

The UBG Ultra Body Guard is a vibrating and voice output electronic mobility aid designed for use by pedestrians who are blind or have low vision. This device detects obstacles at head and upper body level and provides users with tactile or spoken warnings. It also has a compass function to help users orient themselves. It is approximately the size and shape of a cigarette case. WEIGHT: 150 grams.

The UltraCane is a vibrating electronic mobility aid and obstacle detector designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. Designed to help users move around more safely, confidently and effectively, this cane has the shape of a long white cane with a collapsible shaft and a contoured handle, and uses ultrasonic echoes to detect obstacles ahead of the user, including obstacles in the user's path and at head level. It converts this information into vibrating buttons in the handl

-- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a handheld device that uses sonar-type technology to create a virtual white cane that allows users who are blind or with low vision navigate within their environment. The Virtual Cane is a handheld device that uses a type of sonar to recognize physical objects up to 10 meters (39 feet) from the user. When pointed at an object, it emits invisible focused sound waves and determines how far away the object is. The information is then relayed

-------- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an electronic obstacle detector and navigation aid for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The Visually Impaired Assistant (VIA) is a pair of devices worn on the hands that use video motion detection technology combined with 4 mini cameras to detect obstacles as a person walks. It is intended to be used in place of a white cane. As the one of the VIA devices detects obstacles, it vibrates to warn the user to turn away from

---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: The Wicab BrainPort prototype is designed to assist individuals who are blind or have extremely low vision. The BrainPort device takes information gathered from a small digital camera in a pair of glasses and sends it to a “lollipop” electrode array that sits on the users tongue. The camera then transmits the light information to a small base unit about the size of a cell phone. The base unit then converts the light information into electrical impulses (this rep